Historical-Matters.com » Quite Contrary

An idea whose time has come.

Mary — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:05:23 +0000

The following came to me via my brother. I concur.
For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn’t pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered…in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn’t seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don’t care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. This is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come.

Have each person contact a minimum of Twenty people on their Address list, in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution

“Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States .”

Thursday’s Treasure chest–photographs

Mary — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:55:26 +0000

I have in my possession a treasure chest of my husband’s family photographs. When his paternal grandmother died, I inherited all the boxes that were stored under her bed. These were mostly old suit boxes, remember them? The boxes were stuffed full of unidentified family photos and documents important to Tillie or her husband William Edward Douglass.

It’s been fun to go through the photographs and begin to assemble what I think are family groups, based on the few identified photographs. One of these days I’m going to concentrate on those photographs and get them organized into archival albums.

Another task I’ve planned is to organize the documents. Tillie and W. E. belonged to a couple of fraternal groups. She was a licensed practical nurse, I learned.

When I met her she was a cranky, sick, old lady who didn’t like me for taking her favorite grandson away from her. [We moved to Kansas shortly after our marriage in Oklahoma City, to find better jobs.] Despite her hostility toward me, I’m beginning to warm up to the old girl. Look at the treasure chest she saved and I inherited as the family genealogist!

I forget to blog

Mary — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:13:14 +0000

Somedays, and some months I forget I have my own personal blog. In reading posts to the Transitional Genealogists Forum mail list the last couple of days, I learned how to access other blogs. Sometimes this old dog learns a new trick.

If you are an aspiring genealogist, or just want to learn what’s new in the field, check out the Transitional Genealogists Forum. There’s usually a lively discussion in progress.

Personally I’m so busy with my current client, I don’t have time for much anything else. We started out with what seemed like such a simple project that has expanded, much like watching kudzu grow. It’s amazing where it has gone!

Mary, who is too busy to be very contrary right now

Casefile Clues by Michael John Neill

Mary — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:04:59 +0000

I have just finished reading the following article and found it to be a very useful way to analyze a homestead file from NARA. I encourage you to check out Casefile Clues for yourself. Look for Michael John Neill and Casefile Clues on Facebook as well. Neill offers his newsletter for a very modest subscription.

www.casefileclues.com

The Homestead Application of the Heirs of Rolf Habben

An expensive lesson

Mary — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:01:19 +0000

Dear Readers,
I learned a $25.00 lesson today. I ordered a NARA file that I already have. The file came from a collateral cousin in 2006. But I was busy when it came and I didn’t take the time to entry its information into my database program or to add it to that family’s research calendar. So 3 years later I’m preparing to research in Arkansas, and find this file about half an hour after I ordered a new copy from NARA.

Lesson learned: enter data as you receive it; keep research calendars and databases up to date. Make time for your own family research. I’m my best client!

RV for sale?

Mary — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:27:47 +0000

I’m searching for an RV to use on extended research trips. If you have or know of a Class A motorcoach, in good condition for less than $20,000, let me know.

job satisfaction

Mary — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:22:50 +0000

There is nothing quite so satisfying as taking on a project the client thinks is impossible and delivering an extended narrative genealogy to her. She was amazed at what I found.

All is meaningless

Mary — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:46:41 +0000

Hello World,

Over the last few weeks I’ve been reviewing my resume’, life accomplishments, preparing end-of-life documents, etc. I have discovered that none of my many careers: wife, mother, teacher, artist, museum curator, board-certified genealogist, business owner, that most of it doesn’t count for anything. As a museum curator, I helped the Smoky Hill Museum, Salina, KS achieve the highest standards of that industry, accredition. As a professional genealogist I achieved certification by the Board for Certification of Genealogists as a Genealogical Records Specialist.

The only work that matter is that of wife, mother, and Christian. For me, only those things done to further the Kingdom of God will have lasting results. And while I will continue as a professional genealogist for the near future, my priority will be the work God has set before me–my missionary work through the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Hope to see you at IGHR.

Mary

God provides!

Mary — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:52:04 +0000

The recent economic recession really dried up my income from client research. It was so bad I interviewed for another job, and was hired. Fortunately, God had other plans. During my first week of training, two things happened. My arthritic knees gave out on me, costing me the new job. And God sent a new client with a very ambitions project and a willingness to pay the costs. He is a very hands-on client, a new experience for me. He is interested in the process as well as the result. We both get excited when I find something! He’s keep me very busy and well supplied with a new revenue stream. God bless him!

Our new Irish president

Mary — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:41:37 +0000

Today, let’s celebrate our new Irish president, Barack O’Bama. I don’t agree with his liberal politics, but he is now my president. I’ll pray for him.